Apparatus for building roads



March 5,1935. GARmNER 1,993,657

vAPPARATUS FOR BUILDING ROADS l0/7 Gardine/ A TTORNEYS.

March 5, 1935. GARDNER 1,993,657

APPARATUS FOR BUILDING ROADS Filed April 1, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 2L I YATTORNEYS.

March 5, 1935. GARDINER v1,993,657

APPARATUS FOR BUILDING ROADS Filed April 1, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 5.INVENTORl jo/7 Gard/0er BY mA-* "v 7M' ATTORNEYS.

March 5, 1935. L, GARDINER APPARATUS FOR BUILDING ROADS Filed April l,1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I NVEN TOR, /On 6am/mer A TTORNE YS.

Patented Mar. 5, 1935 APPARATUS Fon. BUILDING ROADS Lion Gardiner,Columbus, Ohio, assigner to The Jaeger Machine Company, Columbus, Ohio,a

^ corporation of Ohio Applicationnpril 1, i933, serial No. ceasesClaims.

ously mixed concrete or other'road-building ag,

5 gregate and to form thereof a iinished monolith of the desired sectionand contour.

One object of this invention is to provide a spreader forroad-buildingaggregate which is of simple construction and which is especially suit-102, able for cooperation with truck mixers, successively deliveringbatches from the side of the surface to which the aggregate is to beapplied.

Another object of this invention is to provide a spreader forroad-'fbuilding aggregate which 1 5: may be readily adapted to receivesuch aggregate from either side of the surface upon which the materialis to be spread.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an apparatus which isvery simple in struc'- ture and which will receive previously mixedconcrete or other road-building aggregate and distribute it to a uniformlevel vto form a monolith of great density and uniform texture andconsistency.

In its preferred form, my invention contemplates the provision of anapparatus embodying a spreading screw member which is speciallyconstructed to receive theaggregate adjacent one side of the surfaceupon which it is to be spread and, as such aggregate is received, tospread it mainly towards the other side of the surface.

This spreading screw member may embody a long screwsection and a shortscrew section, with such sections being oppositely pitched so that theaggregate may be oppositely spread. On the other hand, a single screwsection feeding in one direction only from adjacent the side of the roadmay be used.

My invention also preferably contemplates, where oppositely pitchedscrew sections are used, a means for varying the relative proportions ofthe aggregate delivered to each of such sections. Furthermore, itembodies a strike-ofi plate and means for adjusting the operating levelsof the screw member and the strike-olf plate during the travel of thespreader. The spreader, as a whole, is provided with traction meansoperable on the side forms together with means for propelling thespreader and simultaneously rotating the screw member in eitherdirection.

'Ihe preferred embodiment of my invention is shown in the Vaccompanyingdrawings wherein similar characters of reference designate correspondingparts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus made in accordance with myinvention.

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 2-2 ofFigure 1 and showing how the means for delivering the material to thespiral spreaders maybe adjusted to vary the proportion delivered to eachspreader.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section through a portion of the apparatusand takensubstantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 1 and showing the means1.0 for adjusting the spiral spreader and the strikeoli plate as a unit.f

v AFigure 4 is a plan view of a modified form of my invention whereinthe concrete or other material to be spread is dumped onl the surface to1,5

be covered in front of the machine and the machine is adapted to advancethrough said material and simultaneously spread it.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Figure 4. Y

Figure 6 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of another modifiedform of my invention wherein the spreading member is disposed within abox-like structure.

Figure 7 is a plan view of the apparatus shown 25. in 'Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a section taken substantially on line 8-8 of Figure '7.

With reference to the drawings and, particularly, to Figure 1, myinvention is shown as com- 30- prising a main frame 1. This frame iscomposed of side channel beams 2 and 3 which are secured together by theend Vbeam 4 at the rear end of the machine and the end beam 5 at thefront end of the machine.v The side beams 2 and 3 35 are also securedtogether by means of va crossbeam 6 extending entirely across themachine and substantially midway the length thereof.

I-beams' 7 and' 8 are secured to the crosbeams 4, 5 and 6, respectively,adjacent each 4 side of the machine and extend the entire lengththereof. I have also provided I-beams 9 and 10 which are secured to thebeams 4 and 6 and, preferably, rest on the upper edges thereof.Longitudinally extending channel beams 12 and 45 13 are secured to theupper edges of cross-beams 5 and 6. Channel beams 11 and 14 are disposedlongitudinally of the machine between cros- Vbeams 5 and 6 and aresuitably connected thereto. It will be seen readily that these beams 50strengthen the structure and it will be Y seen later that they serve assupports for the various units of my apparatus.

The structure described is preferably supported at four points by meansof the ilanged a attached to the under side of the longitudinal I-beam 7and a bearing 21 in the side beam 3 A driven sprocket 22 is keyed to theinner end of the shaft 19 and rotation of this shaft and consequentrotation of wheel 15 is eiected by means of a driving chain 23. Thisdriving chain 23 is driven by means of a sprocket 24 which is keyed onone end of a transversely extending drive shaft 25. The said'shaft 25 ispreferably rotatably supported in a bearing member 26 on the I-beam 7,and passes through bearing members (not shown) disposed in the channelbeams 12 and 13, bearing member 27 on the channel beam 14 and bearingmember 28 on the I-beam 8. As will be more fully explained hereinafter,the shaft is adapted to be positively driven in either direction to movethe machine forwardly or rearwardly, as desired.

The wheel 16 is similarly supported on the opposite side of the machinethrough the medium of a shaft 29 rotatably supported in a bearing 20attached to beam 18, and a bearing 21' in the side member 2. A sprocket30 is keyed on the inner end of shaft 29. The sprocket 30 is adapted tobe driven by a. chain 31 which is, in turn, driven by the sprocket 32Jkeyed on the corresponding end of the driving shaft 25.

A sprocket 33 is keyed on the shaft 19, which supports wheel 15,adjacent its outer end and a similar sprocket 34 is keyed on the shaft29, which supports the wheel 16, adjacent its outer end. The rear wheels17 and '18 are keyed to the outer ends of shafts 35 and 36,respectively, which are supported by suitable bearing members in amanner similar to the shafts 19 and 29. 'Ihe shaft 35 has a sprocket 33a'keyed to the outer end thereof and the shaft 36 has a sprocket 34avkeyed thereon adjacent the outer end thereof. The sprockets 33a and 33are operatively connected together by means of a sprocket chain 33'.Similarly, the sprockets 34a and 34 are operatively connected togetherby means o f a sprocket chain 34'.

As previously stated, the front wheels 15 and 16 may be driven in eitherdirection. Therefore, since the rear wheels.17 and 18 are connected tothe front wheels 15 and 16, respectively, by the chains 33' and 34',these rear wheels-will be driven simultaneously with the front wheelsand in a corresponding direction. Thus, a four-wheel drive is providedby means of which, when properly actuated, the machine may be propelledeither forwardly or rearwardly upon the side rails.

A spreader assembly is provided on the machine and operates to spreadpreviously mixed concrete or other aggregate between the side forms Aand B. -This spreaderassembly preferably comprises oppositely .pitchedscrew spreadingsections for spreading the aggregate across the surfacebetween the side forms A and B. It also comprises a strike-oir platedisposedY in the rear of said spreader sections and adapted to strikeoff the material spread thereby, and side wing plates disposed at theouter` ends of the. spreaders to prevent spilling of the material overthe side forms. All o f these members which constitute the spreaderassembly are vertically adjustable as a unit when the mascrew spreadingmember comprises oppositelyV pitched screw conveyer sections 38 and 39.'As shown in the drawings, the section 38 is much shorter than thesection 39 so that the adjacent ends of these sections 38 and 39 aredisposed -near one side of the machine.

The screw spreading member 37 of the spreader assembly has its outerends rotatably mounted in bearing members 40 and 41. This spreadingmember is preferably mounted in these bearing members in such a mannerthat it may be readily removed therefrom andreversed, for a purposewhich will be explained later. 'Ihe bearing members 40 and 41 aresuitably mounted on arms 42 and 43, respectively, which form a part of avertically adjustable frame which supports the spreader assembly of myinvention.

Means is provided for rotating the spreading member 37 so. that theconveyer section 38 thereof will spread the material towards the left(Figure 1) and the conveyer section 39 will spread the'material towardsthe right. This driving means comprises a sprocket 44 which is keyed tothe right end of the shaft of member 37 and a similar `sprocket 45 whichis keyed to the op posite end of this shaft. The sprocket 44 is drivenby a chain 44' and the sprocket 45 is driven by a chain 45'. The chains44' and 45' are, in turn, driven by sprockets 44a and 45a, respectively,which are keyed on a 'transversely extendingv driven shaft 46.

The shaft 46 is mounted slightly forward of the spreader assembly androtates in bearing members 47 and 48 in the side beam members 2 and 3,respectively, and suitable bearings on the beams 12 and 13. This shaft46 may be driven in either direction to cause rotation of the spreadermember 37 in either direction desired by means provided and for apurpose which will be explained later.

The arm 42 of the adjustable frame 'whichi'supports the spreaderassembly is pivotally connectfed at its forward end to the cross-member6 as at 49 and the arm 43 is pivotally connected to the opposite end ofthis cross member 6 as at 50. Braces 51 and 52 are secured to the arms42 and 43, respectively, and their forward ends are pivotally connectedto Athe transverse member as at 53 and 54. The rear ends of the arms 42and 43 are bent at right angles and are bolted to a beam member 55extending transversely of the machine and terminating at each end at apoint slightly within the side forms A and B.

A strike-off plate 56 is adapted to be secured to the transverse beam 55of the spreader. assembly. This strike-off plate may be of any suitabletype and is adapted to strike-off the material previously spread by thespreader 37 to impart the proper crown and grade thereto. Thisstrike-off plate is attached to the beam 55 by means of bolts 57`(Figure 2) passing through slotted holes formed in such plate to permitvertical adjustment of the strike-off plate relative to the screwspreader 37.

A side wing plate 58 is bolted' to the arm 42 and a similar sidewingplate 58 is bolted to the other arm 43. Since these plates are disposedat each end of the screw spreading member 37, they forms. Furthermore,they serve to deflect thev material discharged from the outer ends ofthe screw spreading member 37 downwardly along the side forms.

-I have also provided means for vertically adjusting the frame whichcarries the spreader assembly and formaintaining it in adjustedposition. As will be understood hereinafter, this means may be operatedwhle the machine is stationary or while the machine is moving along theside forms.

This adjusting means comprises short links 59 (Figure 3) which aresecured to the upper edge of the transverse beam 55 disposed at the rearend of said adjustable frame. 'I'hese links 59 are pivotally connectedto rocker arms 60 which have their opposite ends keyed to a transverseshaft 61. 'I'his shaft 61 is supported for rotation in a bearing 62attached to the I-beam 7 (Figure 2) and a similar bearing (not shown)which is attached to the I-beam 8.

The shaft 61 is provided substantially midway .between its ends with aworm gear 63 which is keyed thereto. This worm gear 63 meshes with aworm gear 64 which is formed on the lower end of a'shaft 65. The shaft65 is supported for rotation at its lower end in a bearing member 66which is secured to an angle member 67 extending transversely of themachine. 'I'he upper end of this shaft is supported in a bearing member68 which is formed on the upper end of a supporting member secured to asimilar angle member 69 extending transversely of the machine. The upperend of the shaft is provided with a hand wheel 70 which is keyedthereto.

It will be understood that, when the shaft is rotated by means of thehand wheel 70, the worm 64 meshing with worm gear 63 will cause rotationof the shaft 61. Rotation of this shaft 61 will cause rockingr of thearms 60 and a consequent vertical movement of the beam 55. Thus, thefront end ofthe adjustable frame which carries the spreader assembly maybe adjusted to any desired position and held in such position merely byrotating the hand wheel 70. This adjustment may be made at any time andserves to adjust vertically the spreader member 37, the strike-off plate56 and side wing plates 58. as a single unit.

The material receiving and delivery means which I use for feeding thepre-mixed concrete or other aggregate to the spreader 37 is preferablymounted on the machine and is of such a type that it may be mounted atone end of the machine and will receive the material from truck mixersor other conveyances disposed at the side of the surface to be coveredby such material. .Furthermore, this means is of such a type that itwill conduct the material by gravity to the spreader.

'Ihis material receiving and conducting means comprises the main hopper71 having a. wide up- 69 are disposed directly above the spreaderassembly and are mounted on the I-beams 7, 8. 9 and 10. These anglemembers 67 and 69 extend for the entire width of the machine. Aspreviously stated, the hopper 71 is mounted on the angle irons 67 and 69so that it may be readily detached therefrom by removing the bolts whichconnect the supporting structure 73 and 73' thereto. Means (not shown)is also included on the opposite ends of the angle irons 67 and 69 formounting the hopper 71 thereon. Thus, the hopper 71 may be mounted oneither side of the machine. Thus, material may be delivered to themachine at either side desired.

A second hopper 74 similar to the hopper 71 but slightly smaller isdisposed directly below the discharge opening 72-of said hopper. Theupper portion of the walls of this hopper 74 overlaps the lower portionof the walls of the hopper 71. This hopper 74 is supported on members75v provided with rollers 76 which are adapted to operate on the angleirons 67 and 69 which serve as trackways therefor. 'I'he discharge endof the hopper 74 is normally adapted to lie directly above the adjacentends of the conveyersections 38 and 39 of the spreader.

I have also provided means for adjusting the hopper 74v relative to thehopper 71 and longitudinally of the spreader member 37 to vary theproportionate amounts of material fed to the conveyer sections 38 and39. This means comprises a bracket`76' (Figure 2) which is secured tothe outer wall of hopper 74. This bracket is pivotally connected to aconnecting link 77 which is, in turn, pivotally connected to a rockinglever 78. The rocking lever 78 has its lower end keyed to a shaft 79.This shaft 79 is suitably supported in be delivered to the machine fromtrucks or other conveyances at the left side'of the road (Figure 1), thematerial deliveringmechanism will be mounted on the corresponding sideof the machine as shown by the full lines in Figure 1. When the materialis discharged into the hopper 71, it will then pass down therethroughand will he delivered to the adjacent ends of the conveyer sections 38and 39. These members will then be rotated in the proper direction tocause the material to feed towards the side forms. 4

If it is desired to discharge material from trucks located at theopposite side of the road, the hoppers 71 and 74 are removed and placedat the opposite side of the machine on. the' angle members 67 and 69 ina reverse position. The link 77 is disconnected from the rockerrarm 78before the hopper 74 is moved to-the opposite side of the machine and,after such hopper is moved, it may be connected again thereto. Thus, therocker arm 80 `may be used for adjusting the hopper 74 if it is disposedon either side of the machine.

When the delivery mechanism is mounted on the opposite side of themachine, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 1, the spreading member37.-

asv-

., machine directly below the delivery mechanism.

This screw spreading member is then rotated in a direction opposite tothe direction in which it was driven when the adjacent ends of thesections 38 and 39 were located at the opposite side of the machine sothat the aggregate will be fed properly by the conveyer sections 38 and39 towards the side forms.

The driving mechanism for driving the various members of my machinecomprises a power unit 81 (Figure 1) of any suitable type. 'I'his powerunit has a short drive shaft 82 extending therefrom and this shaft has asprocket 83 keyed thereon. The sprocket 83 drives a sprocket 84 disposedtherebelow through the medium of a sprocket chain. This sprocket 84 iskeyed to a shaft 85 which is rotatably mounted in bearing members 86'and 87 on the channel members 11 and 14, respectively. The shaft 85 isprovided with a sprocket 86 keyed thereto intermediate its length andthis sprocket 86 is adapted to drive the sprocket 87' through the mediumof a chain 88.

The sprocket 87 is keyed on the outer-end of a shaft 89 which isconnected to a set of speed reduction gearing disposed in a housing 90.A shaft 91 extends from the opposite end of the housing and has asprocket 92 keyed thereon. This sprocket 92 drives a sprocket 93 whichis keyed on a shaft 94 .disposed transversely of the machine andoperates in bearing members 95 and 96 on the beams 12 and 13,respectively. The shaft 94 has a pinion 97 keyed on one end thereof.This pinion 97 meshes with a gear 98 which is loosely mounted on thetransverse driving shaft 25 which drives the traction wheels of mymachine. A clutch member 99 is splined on this shaft and may be causedto engage a clutching surface on the gear 98 which is continuouslydriven by pinion 97 to cause rotation of shaft 25. This clutch member 99may also be thrown into engagement with a clutching surface on asprocket 100 which is also loosely mounted on the shaft 25. The sprocket100 is adapted to be driven by a sprocket 101 through the medium of achain 102. The sprocket 101 iskeyedon the shaft 85. The clutch 99 mayalsfbe disposed in a neutral position.

It will be understood that the shaft 94 will be driven from the powerunit through the medium of the speed reduction gearing disposed in thehousing 90. This will cause the pinion 97 to rotate gear 98 and, if theclutch 99 is engaged therewith, it will cause rotation of the shaft`25which will, in turn, drive the traction wheels to cause movement of themachine in a forwardly direction. Because of the speed reductiongearing, this movement will be comparatively slow.

If the clutch 99 is released from the gear 98 and caused to engage thesprocket 100, which will be continuously driven by the shaft 85,sprocket 101 and chainl 102, the shaft 25 will be rotated in an oppositedirection. This will cause operation of the traction wheels in a reversedirection and will cause rearward movement of the machine at acomparatively great rate of speed. As-

will be seen later, whenclutch 99 is in neutral position, the spreaded37 may be driven without translatory movement of the machine.

y The shaft 85 vis also provided with a sprocket 103 which is keyedadjacent the left-hand end thereof.y This sprocket 103 is adapted todrive a sprocket 104 which is keyed on a transversely extending shaft105 mounted 1n n suitable beering member on the channel member 11. Thesprocket 104 is connected to the sprocket 103 through the medium of achain 106. One end of the shaft 105 passes into a housing 107. Thishousing 10'7 serves as a housing for a reversible clutch mechanism towhichthe inner ends of the shaft 105 is connected.

It will be readily seen from Figure 1, that the driving shaft 46 whichis used to drive the screw spreading member 37 also passes through thisreversible clutch housing 107. This shaft 46 is also connected to thereversible clutch mechanism. The reversible clutch mechanism may beactuated by means of a lever 108 to cause rotation of the shaft 46 ineither direction desired and consequent rotation of the screw spreadingmember 37 in either direction desired.

In the operation of my apparatus, it will be apparent that it mayreceive and spread the mixed concrete or other aggregate either whileremaining in a stationary position or while traveling along the roadforms. In either event, in the preferred form, the material is deliveredfrom the truck or other conveyance disposed at the side of the machineand into the receiving and delivery mechanism disposed at thecorresponding side of the machine. This delivery mechanism will conductthe material by gravity to the adjacent ends of the conveyer sections 38and 39. The driving mechanism for the spreading member is then adjustedto cause rotation of the screw spreading member 37 in the properdirection.

The screw spreading member comprising the oppositely pitched conveyersections 38 and 39 is located in front of and close to the strike-olfplate `56. Because of the direction of rotation of the conveyer sections38 and 39, the material being received at the adjacent'I ends thereofautomatically spread across the road surface bygnin The material isforced by the conveyer sec- I tions 38 and 39 against the wing plates 58at the outer ends thereof and against the side forms A and B. The sidewing; plates 58 tend to direct the material downwardly, causing it toflow along the inner surfaces of the side forms. This forced flow of thematerial against the side forms will preclude the formation-of voids andinterstices" in the edges of the layer of material being spread.Furthermore, Athe strike-off plate follows the spreading member and willact upon the materlals spread thereby to strike it off to the propergrade and crown. At any time: during the operation of the machine, theoperator may adjust the spreader assembly which includes the screwspreading member, the strike-off plate and the side wing plates bymerely operating the hand-wheel 70. The machine will move in thedirection indicated by the arrows in Figure 1 and the operatorpreferably faces the rear thereof so that he will be able to see thelayer of material that has been spread. By observing the layer ofmaterial that has been spread, he'- is enabled to note whether or notthe" layer is too thick or too thin and adjust' the spreader assemblyaccordingly to take care of the various conditions. If desired, insteadof having' the screw" spreading member 37 whichl comprises theoppositely pitched conveyer sec-l tions 38 and 39, a screw spreadingmember may' be 'provided which consists merely of one screw" conveyersection extending entirely across the ber may be driven in eitherdirection, the mamachine. The material delivering means shown in Figures1 to 3, inclusive, may still be used if desired.' Thus, the materialwill pass by grav` ity through the hopper 71, and the hopper 74 may beadjusted so that the material will be delivered to the outer end of thescrew spreading member. The material will drop from the hopper 74 at apoint adjacent the corresponding side form and the rotating screwspreading member will spread the material entirely across the surface tobe covered and against the side form at the opposite side thereof. Itmaterial is delivered to the opposite end of this screw spreader, whichcomprises a single conveyer section, this screw spreader may be rotatedin an opposite direction to spread the material towards the side form atthe opposite side of the surface to be covered.

In Figures 4 and 5, I have shown a modiiied form which my invention maytake. The machine shown in these figures is adapted to advance throughmaterial which has been dumped in front thereof and to simultaneouslyspread such material across the surface to be covered.

This machine is similar to that described previously. However, the lsidebeam membersV 2 and 3 are not joined together at their forward ends by abeam structure but the forward end of the frame is open, as shown inFigure 4. A screw spreading member 37 is disposed at the forward end oftheaarms 42 and 43. In this instance, however, the screw spreadingmember embodies only a single screw spreader section extending entirelyacross the machine. This machine is also provided with a strike-oirplate 55, as before, which is disposed on the vertically adjustableframe which carries the screw spreading member 37' at a point slightlybehind said screw spreading member. This vertically adjustable framealso carries side wing plates 58 which are disposed at each end of thescrew spreading member as before.

'Ihe frame which carries the spreader assembly may be verticallyadjusted by a mechanism substantially identical with that previouslydescribed for adjusting the frame which carries the spreader assembly ofthe machine shown in Figures 1 and 3. However. in this instance, thelinks 59 are elongated and the transverse shaft 61, shaft and associatedmechanism are disposed on a secondary frame structure 1'.

The screw spreading member 37' may be driven in a manner identical withthat described for driving the screw spreading member 37 of the machineshown in Figures 1 to 3. By operating the lever 108 of the reversibleclutch mechanism which is disposed in a housing 107, the spreadingmember 37' may be rotated in either direction desired. Furthermore, thismechanism is so disposed that the operator may face in the direction ofmovement of the machine.

With this machine, the aggregate is preferably dumped from trucks orother conveyances which operate at the side of the surface to be coveredby this material. As shown in Figure 4, this aggregate is dumped at oneend of the screw spreading member 37' and in front thereof. The machineis then moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 4 so thatthe screw member advances into the aggregate and this screw member 37'is simultaneously rotated in the proper direction to cause the aggregateto be spread across the surface to be covered and into firm contact withthe side form at the opposite side thereof. Since the screw spreadingmemterial may be dumped at either side of the surface to be covered andspread entirely across such surface and against the opposite side-form.Furthermore, it at any time too much material is being spread at oneside of the surface, the

screw spreading member may be reversed -to feed it toward the other sideof the surface. Likwise, the screw spreading member may be rotated inone direction to cause compaction of the material against one of theside forms and then may be rotated in the opposite direction to causecompaction of the material against the opposite side form.

In Figures 6, 7 and 8, I have shown another modied form of my invention.As will bel explained more fully later, the screw spreading member ofthis form of my invention is disposed within a box-like structure whichso contines the material which is dumped therein and which is beingspread, that the spreading member will effectively spread the materialentirely across the prepared surface and will accomplish this in a veryshort time. This particular form of my invention is particularly usefulin spreading material which is of low consistency, although it is notlimited thereto.

The main structure of the machine is similar to A that shown in Figures1 to 3, inclusive, and embodies a'main frame 1 which is mounted ontraction members and which is driven in the manner described withreference to the machine shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive. As before,the main frame 1 comprises side members 2 and 3 which are suitablyjoined together. of the side members 2 and 3 are joined together by abeam member 5 which is connected to the side members 2 and 3 by means ofplate members 5a. Channel members 6 and 6 extend across the machine andare supported by the side members 2 and 3.

The spreader assembly comprises a box-like' structure disposed betweenthe channel members 6 and 6. This box-like structure embodies a platemember 110 which extends almost across the machine, but the ends ofwhich are spaced slightly within the side forms AK and B. This platemember forms the front wall of the box and has a rib 111 formed thereinin order to strengthen it. This box-like structure further emy bodiesside wall members 112 and 113 which serve to limit lateral displacementof the materials. as will be seen later. A beam member 114 joins therear ends of the side wall members 112 and 113 together. A strike-offplate 56 is disposed directly in front of the beam member 114 and ismounted by means of bolts and slots 57 in such a manner that it isvertically adjustable. The ends of the strike-oli plate are disposedwithin the sidewall members 112 and 113 so that it may beverticallyadjusted. The ends of the beam member 114 are also spaced within theside forms A and B to permit vertical adjustment of the box structurefor a purpose which will be explained later.

'I'he box-like structure 109 has a screw spreading member 37' mountedtherein substantially midway between the front and rear walls thereof.This screw spreading member 37' embodies a single screw spreader sectionextending entirely across the box-like structure. The ends of the screwspreading member 37' are rotatably mounted in bearing members 40 and 41which are mounted in the side wall members 112 and 113, respectively, ofthe box-like structure 109.

Arm members 116 and 117 are secured to the 'I'he forward ends side wallmembers 112 and 113, respectively, in any suitable manner. These armmembers 116 and 117 are preferably hollow for a purpose which will' beapparent. The arm members 116 and 117 are pivotally connected at 116'and 117' to the side members 2 and 3, respectively, of the main frame.

I The ends of shaft of the spreading member 37 extend through the sidewall members 112 and 113 of the box-like structure. A sprocket 44 ismounted in the right hand end of the shaft of this spreading member anda sprocket 45 is mounted on the opposite end. These sprocket memberswill be disposed within the hollow arm members 116 and 117. The sprocket44 is connected to a sprocket 44av by means of a sprocket chain 44 whichpasses through the housing formed in the arm 116. 'I'he sprocket 44a issuitably keyed on one end of a shaft 46.

The sprocket 45 at the opposite end of the spreading member is connectedto a sprocket 45a keyed on the opposite end of the shaft 46 by means ofa sprocket chain 45. The shaft 46 may be driven by suitable mechanism ofthe type disclosed in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive. 'I'he shaft 46 is alsoconnected to a reversible clutch mechanism, not shown in this figure,but of the type shown in Figure 1 and which was previously described.Thus, the shaft 46 may be driven in either direction and, consequently,will cause rotation of the spreading member 37 in either direction.

The means for vertically adjusting the box-like structure as a unit willnow be described in detail, as follows:

As shown in Figures 6 and 8, this means comprises link members 118 whichhave their lower ends pvotally connected as at 119 to the upper edge ofthe beam 114 of the box structure. 'I'he upper ends of these links 118are pivotally connected to the outer ends of rocker arms 120 which havetheir inner ends keyed to a transversely extending shaft 121. Each endof the shaft 121 is rotatably mounted in bearing members 122 andsegmental gears 123 are disposed adjacent each end of the shaft. Thesesegmental gears are keyed on the shaftand mesh with worms 124 formed onvertically extending shafts 125. These shafts are supported in suitablebearing structures 126 in such a manner that they may rotate therein.

The lower end of each of the shafts has a sprocket wheel 127 keyedthereon. The sprocket wheel 127 of each of the shafts 125 are con#nected together by a sprocket chain 127. The shaft 125 on the right handside of the machine extends upwardly a considerable distance and has ahand wheel 125' keyed on the upper end thereof. It will be seen thatwhen the hand wheel 125' is rotated, the shaft 121 will be rotated andwill cause the links 118 to move the box-like structure up or down. Whenthe shaft 125 at the right hand side of the machine is rotated, theother shaft 125 is also caused to rotate through the medium of thesprocket chain 127'. When the adjusting mechanism for the box isoperated, the arm members 116 and 4117 will pivot around the pivotpointsA 116' and 117', respectively.

The vertically adjusting mechanism for the box-like structure furtherembodies means for facilitating raising of this structure. This meanscomprises bracket members 128 which are secured to the beam member 6 andwhich have rearwardly extending portions. The beam member 114 of thebox-like structure also has rearwardly extending arm members 129 whichextend beneath the beam member 6' and which are disposed a considerabledistance therebelow.

'Ihese members 129 have their rear ends disposed substantially inalignment with the rear. ends of the bracket members 128.. Tensionspring members 130 are connected to the bracket members 128 and 129. Itwill be apparent that when the box-like structure is in its lowermostposition, the spring members 130 will be stretched. Therefore, when thebox-like structure is again raised, these springs will aid in theraising operation.

I have also provided means for indicating the height to which thebox-like structure and, consequently, the lower edge of the strike-offplate is adjusted relative to the main frame structure.

This means is shown in Figures 6 and 7. It comprises a small pin 131which is secured to the rear surface of the strike-0E plate 56. This pinextends through a slot 132 formed in one arm of a member 133. Thismember 133 is in the form of a bell crank lever and is pivoted at 134 tothe forward surface of the beam member 6. The vertically extending armoi' this member 133 has an indicating pointer 135 thereon whichcooperates with suitable calibrations 136 on an upstanding yoke member137. It will be apparent that, upon up or down movement of the box-likestructure, the member 133 will be swung around its pivot and will,consequently, indicate the height to which the box-like structure withthe strikeoff plate thereon is adjusted.

The material receiving and delivering mechanism of this form of myapparatus preferably embodies a hopper member 138 disposed above thebox-like structure 109 and at one end thereof. The lower portion 139,0!this hopper is reduced in width and extends downwardly into the box. Thewalls of the hopper are slightly spaced from the walls of the box-likestructure so as to prevent interference of these members during verticaladjustment of the box-like structure. This hopper is preferably open atits inner side.

'Ihe hopper 138 has strap members 140 secured to the front and rearsides thereof. The upper ends of these strap members are riveted to theoutwardly flared upper portion of the walls of the hopper. 'Ihese straps140 have their lower ends pivotally connected at 141 to the beam members6 and 6'. Spring members 142 are provided for maintaining the hopper inits normal upright position. These spring members are connected to thestrap members adjacent their upper ends as at 143 and have theiropposite ends connected to a structure 144 which will also limit outwardswinging movement of the hopper. It will vbe apparent that the springs142 will normally keep the hopper in the position shown in Figure 6against the structure 144 and in upright position. Since the lower endsof the strap members 140 are removably connected to the beam members 6and 6', the entire hopper structure may be removed when desired and bemounted on the opposite side of the machine. A structure 144', identicalwith the structure 144, is provided at the opposite side of the machineand pivot pins are suitably disposed at that side of the machine so thatthe strap members 140 may be pivotally mounted thereon.

The hopper is further provided with a guard member 145 rigidlysecured tothe upper and outer edge thereof. This machine vis particularly usel'io'ful for receiving and spreading material which is supplied by trucksmoving at the side thereof, as previously explained. With this hopperstructure, if the trucks move directly adjacent the side thereof and aportion of the truck contacts with the hopper, it will not cause injurythereto. The truck will usually strike the guard member 145 and will,consequently, cause the hopper to swing inwardly, around the pivotpoints 141, since the springs 142 will permit this inward movement.Thus, injury to the hopper will be precluded. The springs 142 willalways return the hopper to normal position.

shown in Figure 8, I have provided brake structures 146 for exerting aslight braking action on the traction wheels of my machine at all times.'Ihis brake 146 comprisesv supporting brackets 147 which are secured tothe side beams 2 and 3 and which project inwardly therefrom. A pair ofarms 148 have their corresponding ends pivotally mounted on the bracketmember 147. I'he lower end of each of the arms 148 is provided with abraking surface 149 which contacts with the periphery of the tractionwheel. A spring 150 is provided for maintaining these braking surfacesin contact with the wheels.

In the operation of this form of my 'apparatus, the material is dumpedby a truck or other such conveyance, which may move along the side ofthe machine and with the machine, and is conducted by the hopper intothe box-like structure. The driving mechanism for the spreading member37 is then adjusted to cause rotationv of the spreading member in theproper direction. As the machine moves forwardly, the material will bespread across the prepared surface by the spreading member 37. Thematerial will be confined within the box-like structure and,consequently, the spreading member 3'7 will more effectively spread thematerial and will do this more quickly.

At any time during the operation of the machine,`the operator may adjustthe spreader assembly which includes the screw spreading member 37', thestrike-Dif plate 56 and the box-like structure. Before beginning theoperation, the strike-off plate is suitably adjusted relative to thescrew spreading member 37'. The machine will move in the directionindicated by the arrows and the indicating mechanism which I haveprovided on the machine will always indicate to the operator thethickness of the layer of material being spread. As previouslyindicated, the operator may adjust the spreader assembly at any time tocause spreading of the material in a thicker or thinner layer. The screwspreading member 37 spreads the material across the prepared surface andthe strike-off plate follows the spreading member and strikes if oi tothe desired height and crown. The driving mechanism may be adjusted fromtime to time to drive the spreading member 37' in opposite directions sothat the material may be fed back and forth in the box-like structure inorder that it will be properly spread across the entire surface. Itwillbe apparent that this structure will be particularly useful withmaterial of low consistency, be-

cause the box-like structure will confine the ma.

terial within certainlimlts during the spreading operation and thespreading member can very effectively act thereon.

It will be apparent that I have provided a machine for spreadingconcrete or other aggregate wherein the body of the machine ismaintained constantly at a definite level while that4 portion of themachine which effects the spreading of the aggregate may be adjustedfrom Atime to time as the spreading operation progresses to compensatefor any variations in the consistency of the aggregate and-to insurethat the ilnal grade of the material being spread will be uniformly andproperly determined. The structure is such that the screw conveyer andtheAstrike-oil.' plate always operate above the surface on which theaggregate is being spread. However, the operator .of the machine mayobserve the roll of aggregate accumulating immediately in front of thescreed of the yfinishing unit and may adjust the screw conveyer andstrike-off plate simultaneously during the progression of the spreadingoperation to compensate for variations in this roll. Thus, if it appearsthat a roll of abnormal size is building up in front of the screed ofthe finishing unit, he may lower the screw conveyer and strike-l oifplate during the progression of the spreading operation and thereby forma depression to receive an increased amount of the material from theabnormal roll and thereby .reduce this roll to normal size. On the otherhand, if it appears to him that the roll immediately in advance of thescreed of the nishing unit is not large enough, he may effect elevationof the screw conveyer and strike-off plate during the progression of thespreading operation with the result that the roll immediately in frontof the screed of the finishing unit will increase in -size.

It will also be apparent that, owing to the fact that my strike-oh platemay be adjusted independently of the screw conveyer, it is possible` forme to readily meet varyingconditions of the aggregate, as suchconditions arise. Thus, the screw conveyer may be positioned at thatelevation at which it will most effectively perform the lateralspreading operation while the strike-off plate may be positionedindependently to perform the proper strike-offbperation.

Another important feature of my invention consists in the fact that mydevice lends itself readily to the spreading of aggregate in eitherdirection across the surface upon which it is to be spread. Thus, withthe multiple section screw spreader element, it is merely necessary toremove and replace this element so that the short section thereof is onthe desired side and to reverse the direction of rotation thereof. Withthe single section screw spreader element, it is merely necessary toreverse the direction of rotation of the screw. The reversible hopperconstruction facilitates the delivery to the proper point for theselected direction of spreading.

Another important feature of my invention arises from the fact that thespreading screw members are rotated in such a manner that, in additionto the spreading function, they subject the mixed material to a wipingand spading action by the inclined continuous surfaces of these screwmembers. This results in a practically complete elimination of anyinterstices or voids which might otherwise appear in the layer of spreadmaterial. Furthermore, it will be noted that the wing plates of myapparatus preclude the escape of the material being spread laterallyover the side forms and maintain this material within an area where itwill be subjected to the wiping and spading action referred to.

A still further important feature of my invention is the fact that thescrew spreading member land the strike-olf plate are capable not only ofsimultaneous vertical adjustment, but also of this structure is furtherincreased by the mounting of the side wing plates upon the frame whichcarries the screw spreading member and the strike-oit plate so that allthree of these elements may be simultaneously adjusted with a minimum ofeffort.

Another important feature of my inventionv consists in the provision ofmeans for delivering the previously mixed material to the screwspreading member fromthe side of the road, provisionbeixig made so thateither side of the road may be selected. The ability to feed thematerial to the screw spreading member from the side of the road avoidsthe necessity of causing vehicles to travel upon the surface which hasbeen previously graded for the reception of the material to be spreadthereon. 'I'his also increases the speed of the machine because thetruck mixer or other vehicle may move along with the spreading machine,discharging as it moves, until all of the material has been dischargedfrom the vehicle into the spreader, whereupon it may be replaced byanother vehicle to make the spreading operation comparativelycontinuous. The material receiving and delivering means is of such atype that the material will be conducted by gravity to the spreadingmember which renders unnecessary the provision of a complicated deliverymechanism which is expensive to construct and which might clog up andbecome inoperative.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, an aggregate spreading device comprising screw sections of substantially different lengths so that theywill receive the aggregate at an off-center point upon the surface towhich it is to be applied and to spread it in opposite directionssimultaneously, and means for actuating said spreading device to effectsuch spreading action.

2. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, a screw spreading device havingoppositely pitched sections of substantially different lengths so thatthey can receive the aggregate at an off-center point, and means forrotating said screw spreading device.

3. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, a screw spreading device havingoppositely pitched sections of different lengths.- means for rotatingsaid screw spreading device, and means permitting'removal andreplacement of said device with its short section at either side of saidframework.

4. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, a screw spreading device havingoppositely pitched sections of different lengths, means for rotatingsaid screw spreading device, and means permitting removal andreplacement of said device with its short section at either side of saidframework, and means for reversing the direction of rotation of saidscrew spreading device. 1

5. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a spiral spreading unitwhich comprises oppositely pitched screw spreading members, saidspreading members being rotatable so that they deliver the materiallaterally outwardly towards the edges of the road surface, and means onone capable of relative adjustment. The advantage side of said apparatusadapted to receive the material from trucks or mixers disposed at theside of the apparatus, and 'to guide it as it falls by gravity to theadjacent ends of said spiral spreading members, and means for adjustingsaid last-named means to vary the proportion of concrete fed to therespective right and left-hand spiral spreading members.

6. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a spreading unit whichcomprises oppositely pitched screw spreading members, one of said screwspreading members being substantially longer than the other s o thatthey can receive the aggregate at their juncture which is close to theside of the surface upon which the aggregate is to be spread, and ahopper mounted on one side of said apparatus and having its dischargeend disposed above the adjacent ends of said spiral spreading members.

'7. Apparatus for spreading material upon a surface comprising aframework, oppositely pitched screw spreading members, means forrotating said screw spreading members in either direction, meansassociated with said screw spreading members for receiving aggregateadjacent the side of the surface upon which the aggregate is beingspread, and guiding it as it falls by gravity to the adjacent ends ofsaid screw spreading members, and means for varying the proportion ofthe received aggregate which is delivered to the respective oppositelypitched screw spreading members.

8. Apparatus for spreading materials upon a surface comprising aframework, a box-like member mounted on said framework, a screwspreading member disposed in said box-like member, and means forrotating said screw spreading member in either direction withoutchanging the direction of motion of the apparatus.

9. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, a strike-off plate mounted onsaid framework, and a screw spreading device operating in front of saidstrike-off plate and having its lower edge substantially at the samelevel as the lower edge of said strike-off plate, said screw spreadingdevice having a plurality of sections, with their receiving endsdisposed substantially nearer one side than the other of the surface tobe operated on, and means for rotating said screw spreading device.

10. Apparatus for spreading Aaggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, an aggregate spreading devicevconstructed to receive the aggregate at a point upon the surface towhich it is to be applied substantially nearer to one edge of suchsurface than the other, and means for receiving the aggregate at theside of the framework and delivering it to said spreading device at thedescribed olfcenter point.

1l. Apparatus for spreading aggregate com' prising a framework,transporting means for said framework, an aggregate-spreading deviceconstructed to receive the aggregate at a. point substantially nearerone side than the other side of the surface to which such aggregate isto be applied and to distribute it across said surface,and means foradjusting said spreading device to locate such receiving point at eitherside of the center line of the surface to which such aggregate is to beapplied.

12. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework. a strike-off plate and 4a. screwspreading device-having its lower edge substantially at the same levelas the lower edge of said strike-off plate, means for rotating saidscrew spreading device, and means for reversing the direction ofrotation of said device without reversing the direction of motion of theapparatus.

13. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework,transporting means for said framework, a strike-off plate, a screwspreading device mounted in advance of said strike-off plate andpositioned to receive and spread the aggregate across the surface, meansfor rotating said screw spreading device, means for reversing thedirection of rotation of said device, and means for receiving the mixedaggregate and delivering it to one end of said screw spreading device,said means being adjustable to deliver to either end of said screwspreading device.

14. Apparatus for spreading material upon the surface comprising aframework, a strike-off plate carried by said framework, a screwspreading member mounted on said framework in advance of said strike-offplate and positioned to receive and spread the aggregate across the saidsurface, means for rotating said screw spreading member in eitherdirection, and means associated with said screw spreading member forreceiving material adjacent the side of the surface upon which thematerial is to be spread and delivering it to said screw spreadingmember, said last named means being adjustable longitudinally of saidscrew spreading member.

15. Apparatus for spreading material upon a surface comprising aframework, a strike-off plate carried by said framework, a screwspreading member carried by said framework and disposed at the front ofsaid framework for spreading the aggregate across said surface, saidscrew spreading member being unconnned in its front so that it will bethe first part of the machine to contact with the aggregate to-be spreadwhich lhas been dumped in a pile on the surface in front of theapparatus, and means for adjusting said strike-off plate and said screwspreading member simultaneously.

16. Apparatus for spreading material upon a surface comprising aframework, a strike-off plate carried by said framework, a screwspreading member carried by said framework and disposed at the front ofsaid framework for spreading the aggregate across said surface, saidscrew spreading member being unconned in its front so that it will bethe flrst part of the machine to contact with the aggregate to be spreadwhich has been dumped in a pile on the surface in front of theapparatus, and means for rotating said screw spreading member in eitherdirection.

17. Apparatus for spreading aggregate comprising a framework, meanssupporting said Yframework for movement above a surface upon which theaggregate is to be spread, a strike-off plate mounted on said framework,a screw spreading member carried upon said framework and disposed at thefront of said framework and being unconned in front so that it will bethe rst part of the machine to contact with the aggregate to be spreadwhich has been dumped in a pile on the surface in front of theapparatus, said screw spreading member having its lower edge above thesurface upon which the material is to be spread but substantially at thesame level as the lower edge of said strike-off plate, means forpositively holding said plate and spreading member at a given level, andmeans for vertically adjusting said strike-off plate and said spreadingmember to any such level during operation and during movement of saidframework.

18. Apparatus for spreading aggregate upon a surface comprising aframework, a box-like member mounted on said framework, a strike-olfplate mounted on said box-like member, said strikeoff plate beingvertically adjustable, a screw spreading member mounted in said box-likemember in front of said strike-oil. plate in spaced relation thereto andin spaced relation to the front wall of said box-like structure, andmeans for vertically adjusting the entire box-like member.

19. Apparatus for spreading aggregate upon a surface comprising aframework, means supporting said framework for movement above said sur--face, a strike-off plate, a screw spreading member mounted in front ofsaid strike-off plate, means for simultaneously adjusting said strikeoffplate and said screw spreading member, and indicating means forindicating the position of adjustment of said strike-off plate and saidscrew spreading member.

20. Apparatus for spreading aggregate upon a surface comprising aframework, a spreading' unit, a hopper mounted on one end of saidframework for delivering material to said spreading unit, said hopperbeing flexibly mounted so that it will swing inwardly when pressure isexerted against the outer portion thereof.

LION GARDINER.

